With only a few weeks until the start of the 2026 AFL season, it has been quite a tumultuous lead-up for the AFL in many aspects. For Carlton, we have seen the end of 2025 as being one of stunning departures and arrivals. The media has once again, postulated, rationalized, opinionized and made statements that, for some, are the equivalent of “the gospel according to them”. We’ve read and seen those in the media who believe in their own hype and “capacity” to understand a club and what it will probably do in the upcoming season. Some will read and side with those viewpoints because it suits their own narrative. Most will probably shrug it off.
From the outset, let me reiterate. The purpose of this blog is not to look at individual aspects of a club’s performance nor to point out either the greatness or insignificance of individuals, be it a player, coach, or administrator. There are so many voices out there that do just that, in both productive and destructive ways. This blog is about looking at the game as a whole, not singling out specific players or a coach’s abilities. It would be nice to see, in season 2026, that we, as supporters, do just that: support the team we are all so passionate about. No matter where we end up, it’s about the journey to help the club achieve ultimate success in its quest. To see the club grow, develop and move in a way that will achieve this ultimate success. Yes, I know it’s been a while since we’ve even come close to fulfilling this ultimate success, even though we have been close at times, but we need to understand the past to build a better future. We have had a tumultuous past, but stability takes time, and right now, we have stability. Now it is time to take that next step forward.
This blog has previously called out the toxicity that has plagued the club, both on and off the field, shaping not only the past but also the present and the future. And without a doubt, there is still the undercurrent of toxicity that I fear might come to a head and damage the club this year. It is not one based on players, administrators, or even coaches, but on a supporter capacity that is as divisive as it is toxic. It is this group that could actually send the club backwards in its strive for success.
The Carlton slogan is a great, unifying one: Stronger Together, alongside the Respect program. But this “togetherness” is a futile misnomer because this group of supporters does not value it. There are those who have stated that the arrogance of the past must be embedded in the club now. This serves no purpose for long-term success in today’s game. Some promote their viewpoint as the only one that matters in an environment and space that confer credibility and access; they believe they have the right to do so because of their standing within a supporter group. It is arrogant, misinformed, and to be honest, quite the opposite of the mantras “stronger together” and “respect”.
Over the past two years, we have seen a club that started poorly grow, develop, streamline, and hone itself into a team capable of winning the ultimate prize not once, but twice. We have seen over the past two years how vital stability is within the club, both on and off the field. That this club, despite being doubted throughout the season, banded together, showed respect across the club and won (the antics of 2026 are not part of this narrative and shouldn’t be, as that is not the point). Of course, I’m talking about Brisbane Lions. This is what must be emulated at Carlton if we want this success.
I have also been privileged to hear from another club and their coaches and players about their goals and what it is they want to achieve, and who will do this by stability, cohesiveness and a sense of belonging together for one goal: the rise of the club. They do not tolerate anything that divides them both in the club and its supporter base.
It must be that any supporter base rid itself of the toxicity portrayed and acted out. It must also be that those with their own agendas steeped in the past are a prime example of not having any resemblance to wanting to be “stronger together” or to show any “respect”, and that they be either weeded out or shown another way. If we are to be a club that is stronger together and promote respect, then togetherness and respect must be more than just a slogan; it must be a statement across the whole club.
If we are to promote stronger together at the start of season 2026, then toxicity at all levels must be eradicated. It must be stamped out. I am realistic: there will never be a time when those who dance to their own tune and have their own plan will see anything other than their own view. That they will never listen, as it does not suit their agendas. However, I will never accept a group of supporters who use their “status” to be divisive and toxic. This is not part of the “stronger together” and “respect” stance.
We are in a position where stability and a cohesive organisation at Carlton FC are now becoming a reality. Let those who wish to use their platforms for a negative, divisive agenda fade into the obscurity of irrelevance. Let us have meaningful debates about a game, its players, and its coaches. Let us disagree and agree respectfully. But let us not become so arrogant and divisive that we allow toxicity to permeate the supporter base. We must be, and should be, better than this.
Let’s Go 2026! GO BLUES!
SPORTZ 